Over the last few months, I’ve gotten into a routine. When 5 o’clock rolls around, my toddler is usually content playing by himself, and my 6 month old is happy bouncing around in his jumper while I start to work on (or think about) what we’ll be having for dinner.
It’s also usually around this time that I’m ready for some adult interaction, so until my husband gets home, the TV will have to do! I flip on the news to make sure I haven’t missed a war breaking out while I was playing with Playdough.
One of my favorite anchors to watch right now is on WFAA-Channel 8. Not only is she incredibly talented on air, but I love that she’s a mom to 2 boys who are right about the same age as my sons. So while I’m starting to wash off what was supposed to be washable markers, I love feeling inspired while watching this mom “do her thing” on air.
Today, Plano-native Shelly Slater answers a few questions for Dallas Moms Blog on what it’s like to be a working mom and why she loves calling Dallas her home!
What do you love most about Dallas as a mom?
I love that it’s a big place with so many things to do, but often feels small. My entire family is lives here, so that is wonderful. An extra fun plus, my sister has a little girl, Helen, that is 23 hours older than Hawkins [Her 7 month old son]. I love watching them grow up together. It’s almost like they are sister and brother.
What are your favorite Dallas restaurants to go to with your family?
We like Velvet Taco. We sit outside and watch the cars, buses, and hopefully a fire truck go by. We also frequent Twisted Root on Mockingbird. My 3 year old can’t get enough of the trains going by. It’s wonderful, it actually allows me to taste my food for once!
How do you balance the pressures of a demanding job and motherhood?
This is the ultimate struggle. Everyday it’s different. Some days I feel like I’m juggling it all well, the next day, I feel the mom guilt. I really try to make the time I spend with my children — all in. I am on the floor, playing, counting, talking, questioning. I don’t worry if the house is a mess, or that laundry isn’t done, I let so much go these days to not waste a moment. I hate hearing people say, “It goes so fast.” I KNOW!!! Please don’t make me more paranoid than I already am about time flying.
When I am at work, it’s Go. Go. Go. Some days I walk in and there is breaking news, and I literally walk straight to the desk. Other days I go out and report before anchoring at 5 and 6pm. Every day is different and unpredictable. That’s just how I like it. I don’t sit and stare at a clock watching the seconds tick by waiting to go home. I learn something new every day. I love that. I hope that professional energy translates into my personal life. Although it’s hard doing both, I love my job, and I love my boys. I hope I’m building their futures.
Do you feel it’s harder to be a mom with a job in the spotlight?
Not really. I think being a mom any way you slice it is incredibly rewarding and incredibly tough. The only part of the spotlight that is different, is that after a restless night with the baby, or if Hutcheson has a nightmare, I still have to turn around the next day and look alive! No pony tails allowed. What I would pay to do the news in workout clothes and my hair up, you have no idea!
When people recognize me (which with a hat on and no makeup, I’m stunned when they do) they’re always kind and respectful. It’s fun to say hello to people who welcome you into their home every day. I take that very seriously.
How does your son respond when he sees you on TV?
We don’t let our 3 year old watch much, unless he asks, “Where is my mommy?” My husband will pop my face up on the screen and hit pause! He claps and points, and then seems satisfied enough to keep playing with his trains!
When I tuck him in for bed, and tell him I’m going back to do the 10pm news, he always asks me, “Which TV are you going to be in tonight? The one upstairs, or downstairs?” We get a kick out of that.
Describe your perfect Saturday in Dallas.
Let’s start with hoping the boys sleep until 7. That would be amazing. Then we cook pancakes making a giant mess, while my husband and I drink coffee (that Hutcheson helps make). We’d walk to a nearby park, where the boys squeal together side by side in swings. I can’t get enough of their interactions. (And I can’t believe at 7months old…how much Hawkins is trying to socialize with his brother.)
We’d go home for lunch and nap. Then I enjoy throwing impromptu pool party cookout. The impromptu part makes me feel like it doesn’t have to be as organized and perfect!! We’d swim, eat, play, and enjoy family and friends. As the sun goes down, Hutcheson would crawl in Hawkins crib and play like he loves to do nightly now. We sing the song I wrote Hawkins together and move on to reading ‘Steam Train Dream Train’ before bed. Then Hutcheson asks “Will you sleep with me 2 minutes.” I cave as usual, cherishing the cuddle.
It’s a highlight of my day watching him snuggle with his giraffe. It’s a simple day. I’m learning the less I plan and micro-manage, the better. Saturdays are about relaxing, and not rushing from event to event.
Do you have a favorite summer indoor play place?
We like the Frontiers of Flight Museum and the Perot Museum. Can’t go wrong either way. We also got a bounce house for a gift. We blow that up inside our home often and invite friends over.
Thank you so much to Shelly Slater for giving us a glimpse into your life, and we’re proud to have you represent us on-air as a Dallas Mom!
Do you have a DFW mom who inspires you?
Send us your suggestions at info(at)dallasmomsblog(dot)org!
